Knowing the Signs of Vascular Disorders

Vascular disorders are a group of diseases that affect the veins and arteries, also known as the circulatory system. These disorders can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetics, lifestyle choices, and underlying medical conditions. High cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, smoking, and physical inactivity increase your risk of vascular disease.

WHAT ARE EXAMPLES OF VASCULAR DISORDERS?

There are many different types of vascular disorders, each with its own set of symptoms and treatment options. Examples of vascular disorders include arteriosclerosis (hardening of the walls of the arteries), peripheral arterial disease (narrowing or blockage of arteries outside of the heart), aortic aneurysm (widening of the arteries), Raynaud’s phenomenon (abnormal constriction of blood vessels), carotid artery disease (a blockage in the arteries in the neck), spider veins (swollen small blood vessels), varicose veins (large, bulging, swollen veins), venous insufficiency (when the valves within veins fail and lead to the pooling of blood), and deep vein thrombosis (blood clots in the deep veins).

Vascular disorders not only cause symptoms but can also become life-threatening. Here, we will discuss the signs and symptoms of vascular disorders.

SYMPTOMS OF VASCULAR DISORDERS

Atherosclerosis can cause the following symptoms:

• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Leg pain when walking
• Dizziness
• Fainting spells

Carotid artery issues may not always cause symptoms, until a stroke or a heart attack. However, commonly reported symptoms are:

• Trouble with vision
• Speech problems
• Pain in the face, neck, or eyes
• Headaches
• Heart palpitations

Aortic aneurysms can cause the following symptoms:

• Chest pain
• Increased heart rate
• Swelling in the neck
• Trouble swallowing
• Abdominal or back pain
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Vomiting

Any of the following symptoms could be due to venous disease:

• Pain in the legs or feet when walking or at rest
• Cramping in the legs or feet
• Changes in skin color on the legs or feet, including pale, blue, or red discoloration
• Coldness in the leg or foot, compared to other parts of the body
• Numbness, tingling, burning sensation, or weakness in leg muscles
• Swelling of ankles and/or calves
• Wounds on toes, fingers, or legs that heal slowly or the development of leg ulcers
• Varicose veins or bulging, twisted veins

If you think you may be suffering from a vascular disorder, it is important to see a doctor for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan. With proper management, many people with vascular disorders can live long and healthy lives and prevent poor outcomes from their condition.

VASCULAR DISORDER TREATMENT IN WOOSTER, OH

Wooster Community Hospital provides blood flow evaluations in our vascular laboratory, which assists our vascular surgeons in the planning and creation of treatments for our patients with vascular disorders. If you are experiencing symptoms of a vascular disorder, don’t wait any longer and get yourself properly evaluated by our experienced vascular technologists.

If you want to learn about the state of your blood vessels and blood flow, we offer pain-free and low-cost blood flow screenings in Wooster – with results available in a week. There is no need for a doctor’s order for this test! For any questions or to schedule your blood flow screening, call our office today at (330) 263-8282. Our friendly staff is more than happy to assist you.